There s nothing quite like a nice hot shower. Standing there as the hot water cascades over you is an effective way to feel great and prepare yourself for the day ahead. However, what you may not realize is that there are various things people do in the shower which can damage the plumbing.
The result is you can’t enjoy a hot shower and you’re going to need a good emergency plumber to resolve the issue.
It’s worth knowing what damages the plumbing and how to reduce the risk.
Long Showers!
A long shower does feel great and it’s worth indulging in from time to time. But, doing it too often means you’re creating the perfect conditions for mould to grow. It thrives in warm and moist conditions.
The mould can damage the inside of your pipes and it can be harmful to your health. To avoid the issue, turn the water temperature down a little, shorten your shower, and make sure there is plenty of ventilation.
Hairy Drains
The human body loses approximately 150 hairs a day. It’s normal but, many of these will come out while you’re in the shower. They mix with the soap you use and will sit in the trap and the pipes. It’s surprising how effective this combination is at clogging pipes and giving you a headache.
Clogged pipes mean the water drains very slowly and then doesn’t drain at all. In other words, your shower could flood your bathroom.
The good news is you simply need to remove the trap regularly and empty the hair and bits out to keep your plumbing working properly.
Not Using A House Filtration System
If you live in a hard water area you’ve probably considered adding a water filter. But, you’ve probably never considered the damage the hard water can do to your plumbing. Because it is full of minerals and metals which are deposited as a lining on the inside of your pipes, it can also lead to a blockage.
It is best to add a filter into the system to remove these contaminants and protect your plumbing.
If that’s not an option, you’ll want to pour white vinegar down the drains regularly to help minimize the build-up.
Hanging Items From The Shower
This can seem pretty harmless and it’s a good way to ensure everything you need is to hand while showering. However, weight on the showerhead can cause strain on the head and the plumbing supply pipes.
The result is they can bend and even break, giving you a leak in the shower. You’ll need to get a professional to sort the problem properly.
Anti-bacterial Soap
Using antibacterial soap isn’t a problem for everyone. But, if you have a septic tank then the soap can damage the bacteria in your tank. That means the waste won’t be processed properly and you are likely to experience unpleasant smells. It can even lead to the system backing up and the associated problems that go with clogs.
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